Optometrists yesterday asked for the right to refer patients to public hospitals.
At present, they cannot refer patients to public eye surgeons even if they discover an abnormality during eye tests. Patients have to go to a doctor before visiting an eye hospital.
Optometrists said they were frustrated with the situation.
Greg Wu Chor-nam, president of the Hong Kong Association of Private Practice Optometrists, told Legco's health panel that his colleagues had at least four years' training and were capable of referrals.
'But patients who cannot afford private medical services will take a needless and longer route for treatment,' he said. 'We are not fighting for our interests but for a choice for patients.' Dr Ada Cheng Sau-kuen, an optometrist, said: 'I cannot understand why the Government recognises our qualification and ability but refuses our right of referral.' But Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung, president of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians, said the present system should remain.
He said eye symptoms were often manifestations of systemic diseases.